Unusual Bowel Movements and Weight Loss: Seeking Gastroenterology Advice
Stool, postprandial borborygmi, weight loss inquiry? I would like to ask the doctor, I had a colonoscopy at the clinic in early May, where three benign polyps were removed. The doctor did not schedule a follow-up appointment, stating that my intestines are very healthy. However, ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Joe, regarding your weight loss and bowel/gurgling issues, you may consult a gastroenterologist. The throat problem could also be related to gastroesophageal reflux, so seeing a gastroenterologist would be appropriate. However, if these issues cannot be resolved, I reco...[Read More] Unusual Bowel Movements and Weight Loss: Seeking Gastroenterology Advice
Understanding the Connection Between Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Heart Palpitations
Recently, I have started to feel my stomach and esophagus pulsating like my heart? Hello Doctor: I am 170 cm tall and weigh 70 kg. About a month ago (on May 26), I woke up in the early morning with palpitations, shortness of breath, and a feeling of bloating in my stomach, so I w...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is advisable to cooperate with the physician for treatment and lifestyle adjustments. If symptoms persist, it is still necessary to visit the hospital to confirm the condition.[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Heart Palpitations
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Blood in the stool? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing constipation for a long time, and it has worsened since I started losing weight this past year. I usually drink at least 2000 cc of water but still only have a bowel movement about once every five days. For the past two w...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely mild bleeding from internal hemorrhoids. Initially, medication to improve bowel movements should be administered. If symptoms persist or there are concerns, a fecal occult blood test or colonoscopy should be considered.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Dietary Solutions
Bowel movement issues Hello, lately when I go to the bathroom to have a bowel movement, I still feel a lingering urge to go, as if something is stuck inside, giving me a sense of incomplete evacuation. I have tried to push harder, but after a long time, it feels too hard to come ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, you are experiencing difficulty in having a complete bowel movement, with a frequency of every 2-3 days. There is a family history of colorectal cancer. It is recommended to adjust your diet and develop healthy bowel habits. Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables ...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Dietary Solutions
Persistent Stomach Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Pressing on the abdomen causes pain, which has persisted for over three months? Hello, I started seeking Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment in early March this year to address my nasal allergy issues. During the process, I discovered that pressing on my stomach causes pain. T...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you are experiencing discomfort in the stomach area, it could be due to gastritis or an ulcer. You may want to evaluate your diet for potential improvements. Avoid or reduce the intake of tea (black tea/green tea/milk tea), coffee, chocolate, sweets, spicy foods, fried ...[Read More] Persistent Stomach Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: SGOT and SGPT Insights
Liver function tests (LFTs) Hello Doctor: Recent health check reports indicate abnormal liver function with SGOT: 45 U/L and SGPT: 45 U/L. What could be the issue or what recommendations do you have? Is there a need for immediate medical attention, re-examination, or treatment? T...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Check for hepatitis B and perform an ultrasound. If it is only fatty liver, then lose weight for 1 to 2 months before following up with blood tests.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: SGOT and SGPT Insights
Is a Cholesterol Level of 254 mg/dL Dangerous? Doctor's Advice
Cholesterol level of 254, no need for medication? Hello, Dr. Chang. I have had hepatitis B since I was about 12 years old. Recently, while I was abroad, I experienced some discomfort, such as slight swelling and pain on the left side of my neck and muscle discomfort in my left sh...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang, You have had hepatitis B since the age of 12. Recently, while abroad, you experienced discomfort, such as mild swelling and pain on the left side of your neck and muscle discomfort in your left shoulder, prompting you to seek medical attention and request blood te...[Read More] Is a Cholesterol Level of 254 mg/dL Dangerous? Doctor's Advice
Understanding Abnormal Stool: When to Seek Gastroenterology Help
Bowel issues Hello, recently in April and May, my stools have been the thickness of my thumb or index finger, and I generally have to go twice, with the second time being unformed. Sometimes the thickness varies between thumb, index finger, or little finger, or they appear flat. ...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: You can take a photo of your stool and bring it to the hospital for a consultation with a physician, which will help in determining the issue more accurately. Dr. Tsai Jin-chi from the Gastroenterology Department at Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Stool: When to Seek Gastroenterology Help
Understanding Abdominal Pain After Eating: Causes and Solutions
Rebound abdominal pain Hello Doctor: A few days ago (Tuesday), I started experiencing abdominal pain after eating, which feels better after using the restroom. For the past few days, my morning stools have been small and mushy. In the afternoon or evening, when I use the restroom...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further observation is recommended, and a proper diet is sufficient.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain After Eating: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Abnormal Stool Patterns: When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel issues? Hello, doctor. Around April and May, my stools have been about the thickness of my thumb or index finger. I'm not sure about before that because they were unformed, so I didn't pay much attention as long as they were in a log shape. Recently, my bowel move...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely an abnormality in colonic motility, rather than a significant issue. It is advisable to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables and stay hydrated, take walks after meals, maintain an exercise routine, and monitor bowel movements.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Stool Patterns: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Nighttime Chest Discomfort: Is It GERD?
Waking up in the middle of the night with a burning sensation in the chest, palpitations, and chest tightness, followed by a white-coated tongue, a bitter taste in the mouth, and a feeling of something stuck in the throat upon waking? I initially thought it was a heart issue, but...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the symptoms are consistent, medication treatment can be initiated, and it is advisable to reduce the intake of sweets, tea, coffee, and late-night snacks.[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Chest Discomfort: Is It GERD?
Understanding Occult Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fecal occult blood Hello Dr. Chen, I asked you a question on May 13th. At that time, I mentioned that there were some red spots in my stool. However, from May 14th to May 15th, I did not see any blood, but on May 15th, I experienced diarrhea. I would like to know if I should go t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
→ Further observation is possible, or a visit to the clinic for a stool occult blood test.[Read More] Understanding Occult Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing GERD and Esophagitis: Duration of PPI Use and Symptoms Explained
How long does it take for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to improve when taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)? What should I do if I experience a bitter taste and acid reflux after stopping PPIs? Hello: In February of this year, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endos...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is classified into four grades (A, B, C, D) based on the extent of esophageal mucosal injury due to gastric acid, according to the Los Angeles Classification. Under the National Health Insurance regulations, grades A and B allow for p...[Read More] Managing GERD and Esophagitis: Duration of PPI Use and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: A Guide for Athletes
Bowel movement issues Hello Doctor, recently my bowel habits have been that I usually have a bowel movement around noon and then again in the evening when I get home. However, lately, the amount of stool has decreased. The stool is neither thick nor thin, but it is short and not ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
As long as there is only a change in the shape of the stool and no bleeding or weight loss, it can be monitored further.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: A Guide for Athletes
Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: What You Need to Know
Bowel movement issues Hello Doctor, I have recently noticed changes in my bowel habits. I usually have a bowel movement around noon and again in the evening, but lately, the amount has decreased. The stools are neither thick nor thin, but they are shorter in length compared to be...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
As long as there is only a change in the shape of the stool without any bleeding or weight loss, it can be monitored further.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: What You Need to Know
Understanding Stomach Pain, Bloating, and Rib Pain: When to Seek Help
Stomach pain, bloating, and pain under the rib cage? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing stomach discomfort and a lack of appetite for the past two weeks. Throughout the day, even if I haven't eaten much, I feel bloated. My weight has decreased by 3 kilograms over these t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can go to the hospital for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain, Bloating, and Rib Pain: When to Seek Help
Understanding Symptoms Similar to Colon Cancer: A Guide for Patients
Symptoms similar to colorectal cancer? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing dizziness for the past few months, which is similar to symptoms of anemia. Previously, I had frequent rectal bleeding, and my intestines often made peristaltic sounds for a long time, usually occurring ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Ms. Liu, you can go to the hospital for an evaluation by a gastroenterologist regarding your fecal occult blood test. It would be safer to discuss your symptoms with the doctor. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms Similar to Colon Cancer: A Guide for Patients
Weight Loss and Stomach Ulcers: Could Birth Control Pills Be the Cause?
Weight loss / Is it possible for taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to cause gastric ulcers? Last February, I was hospitalized due to a gastric ulcer and bleeding. At that time, it was determined that my emotional state contributed to the issue. Recently, I recalled that I ha...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Emergency contraceptive pills, pharmacologically, do not cause gastric ulcers. 2. If gastrointestinal discomfort leads to decreased appetite, it may result in weight loss. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Weight Loss and Stomach Ulcers: Could Birth Control Pills Be the Cause?
Unexplained Weight Loss: Should You Worry About Pancreatic Cancer?
Weight has been continuously decreasing? Hello doctor, I have recently lost weight from 51 kg to 47 kg over the past three months without any specific dieting. I visited a family physician who conducted tests including stool and thyroid function tests, all of which came back norm...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is not recommended to perform endoscopic ultrasound directly; please follow up with your attending physician for treatment.[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss: Should You Worry About Pancreatic Cancer?
Abdominal Discomfort and Pain During Bowel Movements: What to Know
Abdominal bloating with a desire to have a bowel movement; after having a bowel movement, there is pain in the lower abdomen? Occasionally, I experience a sensation of fullness and bloating in my lower abdomen, followed by the urge to have a bowel movement. During the process of ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, I am experiencing abdominal bloating and a desire to have a bowel movement. After I have a bowel movement and sit down, I feel pain in my lower abdomen. There is a specific point in my abdomen that hurts during the process of defecation, and the pain alleviates after a f...[Read More] Abdominal Discomfort and Pain During Bowel Movements: What to Know